Cap with Replaceable Visor and/or Adjustment Straps

ABSTRACT

A cap has removable and replaceable components. The visor of the cap is releasably secured to the crown portion. Additionally, size adjustment straps for the cap are releasably secured to the crown portion. These components may be removed from the crown portion and replaced with components having different colors, designs or written indicia.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to hats generally. In particular embodiments the invention relates to baseball-style caps having a crown with a visor and size-adjustment straps.

2. Description of the Related Art

Baseball-style caps are a popular style of headwear. A typical baseball cap includes a crown portion, which sits atop the head, and a visor that extends outwardly from the crown and is useful to protect the wearer's face from the sun. Traditionally, the crown, and occasionally the visor, is used to display logos, insignia, slogans and any number of other designs.

Typically, a baseball cap is provided with an adjustment mechanism on the back of the crown portion that allows the cap to be adjusted to fit different sized heads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an exemplary baseball style cap that has replaceable components. In one exemplary embodiment, the cap has a visor that is easily removable and which can be replaced with a different visor. This allows a wearer to have a single hat which can display different visual indicia. According to a described embodiment, the visor and crown portion are releasably secured to each other using complementary attachment strips that are preferably formed of hook-and-loop fasteners. In a described embodiment, the visor is provided with an attachment flap along its proximal edge upon which its hook-and-loop fastener attachment strip is affixed. Also in a described embodiment, the flap has side tabs which project laterally beyond the side edges of the visor. Each side tab has a first hook-and-loop fastener strip affixed thereto. The crown portion includes cloth flaps that extend from the bottom edge of the crown portion. The cloth flaps can preferably be folded into and out of the crown portion. Each of the cloth flaps has an affixed second fastener strip that can be releasably secured to a first fastener strip on a side tab of the visor flap. When folded into the crown portion, the first and second fastener strips will be secured together.

In another exemplary embodiment, a cap is provided which has a set of adjustment straps that are releasably secured to the crown portion of the cap and which can be readily removed from the crown portion and replaced with another set of adjustment straps. According to a further embodiment, a cap is provided which has a removable/replaceable button atop the crown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For detailed understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which reference characters designate like or similar elements throughout the several figures of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary cap which incorporates removable and replaceable components constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the cap of FIG. 1, now with the visor removed from the crown.

FIG. 3 is an underside view of an exemplary visor.

FIG. 4 illustrates the inside of the crown portion of the cap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 depicts a set of exemplary adjustment straps that can be releasably attached to the crown portion of a cap.

FIG. 6 is a sketch illustrating exemplary releasable attachment of an adjustment strap to the crown portion of a cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-2 depict an exemplary cap 10 having a crown portion 12 formed of a plurality of panels 14 that are sewn together at seams 16. The crown portion 12 is shaped and generally sized to surround the upper portion of a wearer's head, as is known. In an exemplary embodiment, a button 18 is removably secured to the top of the crown portion 12. It is noted that, while a baseball-style cap is shown as the cap 10, the term “cap” as used herein, is intended to refer broadly to various styles and types of headwear garments having a crown portion that is shaped and generally sized to surround or partially surround a wearer's head when worn in a manner typical for such a garment.

A first visor 20 is releasably secured to the crown portion 12. As is known in the art, the first visor 20 is useful to shade a wearer's eyes and face from sun and may be useful for the display of designs, colors and written indicia. The first visor 20 has a distal edge 22 and a proximal edge 24. In a currently preferred embodiment, the visor 20 is provided with an attachment flap 26 along the proximal edge 24. When the visor 20 is affixed to the crown portion 12, it projects radially outwardly from the crown portion 12. The attachment flap 26 has an affixed attachment strip 28 that can be removably secured to a complimentary attachment strip 30 that is affixed within the crown portion 12. Complementary hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO® strips, are preferably used as the complementary attachment strips 28, 30. As can best be seen with reference to FIGS. 2-3, the flap 26 preferably has side tabs 32 that extend laterally outwardly beyond the side edges 34 of the visor 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates the underside of the visor 20 and the back side of the flap 26. A first fastener strip 36 is secured to each side tab 32. Again, the first fastener strips 36 may be hook-and-loop fastener strips. FIG. 4 depicts the inside of the crown portion 12 to include fastening flaps 38 which are located on either lateral side of the attachment strip 30 and which extend from the bottom edge 64 of the crown portion 12. The fastening flaps 38 are moveable between a first position (depicted on the right side of FIG. 4) wherein the fastening flap 38 extends away from the bottom edge 64, and a second position (depicted on the left side of FIG. 4) wherein the fastening flap 38 is folded up into the crown portion 12. Each of the fastening flaps 38 has an affixed second fastener strip 40 which will be become releasably affixed to a first fastener strip 36 of the visor 20 when the flap 38 is folded into the crown portion 12 in its second position. The inventor has determined that the use of fastening flaps 38 and first and second fastener strips 36, 40 allows the visor 20 to be securely fastened to the crown portion 12 in a manner so that it does not become knocked loose while worn or inadvertently pulled off of the crown portion 12 when the cap 10 is removed from a wearer's head. Additionally, the inventor has determined that the use of the fastening flaps 38 and fastener strips 36, 40 provides a finished appearance for the cap 10.

In particular embodiments, the visor 20 and crown portion 12 are provided with complementary pairs of magnets that attract one another to assist in properly aligning the visor 20 with respect to the crown portion 12. FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate magnetic members 19 affixed to the visor 20. The magnetic members 19 are attracted to magnetic members 21 on the crown portion 12. In currently preferred embodiments, the magnetic members 19, 21 are in the form of semi-flexible strips that are sewn inside of the attachment strips 28, 30. In currently preferred embodiments, the magnets 19, 21 are permanent magnets and, in particular, are neodymium magnets. However, it should be understood that other types and forms of magnets could be used as well.

It can be appreciated that one can affix a visor 20 to the crown portion 12 by first disposing the attachment flap 26 of the visor 20 into the crown portion 12 and allowing each of the magnets 19 on the flap 26 to be attracted to the magnets 21 on the crown portion 12, thereby helping to properly align the visor 20. The attachment strip 28 on the attachment flap 26 is then affixed to the attachment strip 30 within the crown portion 12. Thereafter, the fastening flaps 38 are folded into the crown portion 12 so that the second fastener strips 40 on the fastening flaps 38 are secured to the first fastener strips 36 on the side tabs 32 of the visor 20. It should also be appreciated that the use of the tabs 32 and fastening flaps 38 with fastener strips 38, 40 provide for security in the attachment of the visor 20 to the crown portion 12, making it difficult for the visor 20 to be inadvertently removed from the crown portion 12.

In order to remove the visor 20 from the crown portion 12, the tasks are reversed. The fastening flaps 38 are folded outwardly from the crown portion 12, thereby allowing the fastener strips 40 to be removed from attachment with the fastener strips 36 of the visor 20. Thereafter, the visor 20 is removed from the crown portion 12 by separating the attachment strip 28 of the visor 20 from the attachment strip 30 of the crown portion 12. The visor 20 can then be replaced with a replacement visor which will be releasably attached to the crown portion 12 in the same manner as the original visor 20. It should be appreciated that one may use multiple interchangeable visors 20 of different colors or having different designs or written indicia in order to have a single cap 10 which provides several different looks.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an embodiment of the invention wherein the cap 10 has an adjustment mechanism that permits a wearer to adjust the cap 10 to permit it to fit heads of various sizes. In the depicted embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a set of complementary adjustment straps 42, 44 that are releasably secured to the crown portion 12. The first adjustment strap 42 includes a strap body 46 which has a plurality of holes 48 disposed therein. The second adjustment strap 44 has a strap body 50 with a plurality of raised nubs 52 formed thereupon. As is known, the nubs 52 of the second adjustment strap 44 can snap into the holes 48 of the first adjustment strap 42 in several different configurations, thereby providing adjustable fit of the crown portion 12. One axial end of each adjustment strap 42, 44 is provided with a hook 54 for a hook-and-eye style fastener. In the depicted embodiment, the hook 54 is formed of metal or a similarly rigid and durable material and includes a central body 56 and a folded portion 58 that forms the hook. The hook 54 is shaped and sized to engage and eye 70 on the crown portion 12. The hook-and-eye fastener provided by hook 54 and eye 70 can be the type of fastener that is well known for use as a closure for pants or skirts. It is noted that other firm fastening means might also be used, such as snaps, catches, buckles and the like. In currently preferred embodiments, each adjustment strap 42, 44 is provided with an attachment strip 60 that is fixedly secured thereupon. The attachment strips 60 may be formed of a hook-and-loop fastener, such as a VELCRO® strip.

FIG. 6 illustrates the interior of the crown portion 12 of cap 10. The cap 10 features a generally semi-circular opening 62 along the back side (see FIGS. 1, 2, 4). In the depicted embodiment, the bottom edge 64 of the crown portion 12 is provided with a cloth flap 66 which can be folded inwardly or unfolded outwardly from the bottom edge 64. In FIG. 6, the flap 66 has been unfolded outwardly from the bottom edge 64. An attachment strip 68 is fixedly secured to the flap 66. The attachment strip 68 is made of hook-and-loop fastener material and made to be secured to complementary attachment strip 69 located inwardly on the crown portion 12.

Eye 70 is secured to the inner surface of the crown portion 12. While FIG. 6 depicts the exemplary attachment of adjustment strap 42 to the crown portion 12, it should be understood that this is also illustrative of the manner in which adjustment strap 44 is secured to the crown portion 12. In order to releasably attach the adjustment strap 42 to the crown portion 12, the eye 70 is engaged by the folded portion 58 of the hook 54, as illustrated by arrow 72. Attachment strip 60 on the adjustment strap 42 will be secured to the attachment strip 69. Next, the flap 66 is folded inwardly which allows the attachment strip 68 to also be secured with the attachment strip 69.

The ability to readily remove and replace adjustment straps 42, 44 with other colors or styles of adjustment straps permits a wearer to further alter the appearance of the cap 10.

The foregoing description is directed to particular embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of illustration and explanation. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many modifications and changes to the embodiment set forth above are possible without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cap comprising: a crown portion that is generally shaped and sized to surround an upper portion of a wearer's head; and a visor to shade a wearer's face, the visor being removably affixed to the crown portion to project radially outwardly from the crown portion.
 2. The cap of claim 1 further comprising: a first attachment strip affixed to the crown portion; and a second attachment strip affixed to the visor, the first and second attachment strips being releasably securable to each other in a complementary manner to releasably secure the visor to the crown portion.
 3. The cap of claim 2 further comprising an attachment flap extending from a proximal edge of the visor, the second attachment strip being affixed to the attachment flap.
 4. The cap of claim 3 further comprising: a side tab extending laterally from the attachment flap of the visor and having a first fastening strip secured thereupon; a fastening flap that extends from an edge of the crown portion, the fastening flap being moveable between a first position wherein the fastening flap extends away from the lower edge of the crown portion and a second position wherein fastening flap is folded into the crown portion; and a second fastening strip affixed to the fastening flap and being releasably securable to the first fastening strip when the fastening flap is in its second position.
 5. The cap of claim 1 further comprising: a first magnetic member affixed to the visor; and a second magnetic member affixed to the crown portion, the second magnetic member being attracted to the first magnetic member so that the visor is generally properly aligned with crown portion for attachment to the crown portion.
 6. The cap of claim 1 further comprising: an adjustment mechanism that permits a wearer to adjust the cap to accommodate heads of various size, the adjustment mechanism being releasably secured to the crown portion.
 7. The cap of claim 6 wherein: the adjustment mechanism comprises first and second adjustment straps that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations that correspond to a plurality of cap sizes; and wherein each of the first and second adjustment straps are releasably secured to the crown portion.
 8. The cap of claim 7 wherein the first and second adjustment straps are releasably secured to the crown portion with a hook-and-eye style fastener.
 9. The cap of claim 1 wherein the visor is replaced with a second visor that is removably affixed to the crown portion.
 10. The cap of claim 7 wherein the adjustment mechanism is replaced with a second adjustment mechanism that is removably affixed to the crown portion.
 11. A cap comprising: a crown portion that is generally shaped and sized to surround an upper portion of a wearer's head; a visor to shade a wearer's face; and an adjustment mechanism that permits a wearer to adjust the cap to accommodate heads of various size, the adjustment mechanism being releasably secured to the crown portion.
 12. The cap of claim 11 wherein the visor being removably affixed to the crown portion to project radially outwardly from the crown portion.
 13. The cap of claim 12 further comprising: a first attachment strip affixed to the crown portion; and a second attachment strip affixed to the visor, the first and second attachment strips being releasably securable to each other in a complementary manner to releasably secure the visor to the crown portion.
 14. The cap of claim 13 further comprising an attachment flap extending from a proximal edge of the visor, the second attachment strip being affixed to the attachment flap.
 15. The cap of claim 14 further comprising: a side tab extending laterally from the attachment flap of the visor and having a first fastening strip secured thereupon; a fastening flap that extends from an edge of the crown portion, the fastening flap being moveable between a first position wherein the fastening flap extends away from the lower edge of the crown portion and a second position wherein fastening flap is folded into the crown portion; and a second fastening strip affixed to the fastening flap and being releasably securable to the first fastening strip when the fastening flap is in its second position.
 16. The cap of claim 11 further comprising: a first magnetic member affixed to the visor; and a second magnetic member affixed to the crown portion, the second magnetic member being attracted to the first magnetic member so that the visor is generally properly aligned with crown portion for attachment to the crown portion.
 17. The cap of claim 11 wherein: the adjustment mechanism comprises first and second adjustment straps that can be interconnected in a plurality of configurations that correspond to a plurality of cap sizes; and wherein each of the first and second adjustment straps are releasably secured to the crown portion.
 18. The cap of claim 17 wherein the first and second adjustment straps are releasably secured to the crown portion with a hook-and-eye style fastener. 